Shoe heel construction with replaceable top lift



Oct. 13, 1959 A. czlAlol 2,908,089

sHoI: HEEL CONSTRUCTION WITH REPLACEABLE TorD LIFT Filed June 24, 1957 FIGA. f FIG. 5.

` E -INVENTO f 55 JOSEPH Arm '27 7m [36 BY 122 Plana. Flaw. @mm

y Arm/wer SHOE HEEL CONSTRUCTION WITH REPLACEABLE TOPV LIFT joseph A. Ciaio, Corona, N.Y.

Application June 24, 1957, Serial No. 667,549

2 Claims. (Cl. 315-36) This invention relates to shoes and, more particularly, to a replaceable top lift for shoe heels. i

It is well known that the heel tread portion of mens and womens shoes are subjected to the greatest amount of Wear and require frequent replacement, particularly in womens shoes because of the relatively small tread area that naturally wears at a much higher rate than those of mens shoes. This frequent replacement is not only expensive, time-consuming and inconvenient, but also can result in permanent damage to the main heel portion. These tread elements are more commonly known as top lifts and are usually secured to the heel by cement, tacks, or screws. When replacing top lifts, it has been necessary to edge trim and edge set the top lift and then to burnish the edge with wax. The nails and screws not only enlarge the original holes in the heel so that they cannot be securely fastened thereto, but often split the wooden or plastic main heel portion, thereby necessitating even more expensive repairs. The frequent replacement of such lifts also inevitably damages the fabric or plastic covering on the main heel portion thereby detracting from the appearance of the shoes, and shortening the normal life thereof.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a heel assembly for shoes having a replaceable top lift that is readily detachable from the main heel portion so as to overcome the aforementioned difficulties.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a main heel portion for shoes having a mounting at the lower end thereof for detachably receiving a 4replaceable top .lift in which the parts are secured together by substantially self-contained fastening means. Y

Another object of the present invention is to provide a combination main heel and detachable lift assembly for use on womens shoes, in which the lift element is secured to the heel portion by self-contained surface-engaging fastening means.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide a heel assembly for womens shoes that includes a replaceable lift unit having a flexible sleeve member for detachably securing a tread portion to the bottom of the main heel portion, and at the same time provide, what in effect is, a waterproof boot which protects the covering of the heel from the elements.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a heel assembly for shoes bearing the above objects in mind, which is of simple construction, has a minimum number of parts, is inexpensive to manufacture and efficient and practical in operation.

All of the foregoing and still further objectsA and advantages of this invention will become apparent from a study of the following specification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

, Fig. 1 is a fragmentary sideelevational View of a shoe embodying a heel assembly made in accordance with one form of the present invention.

. Fig. 2 is a transverse cross-sectional View taken along line A2 --2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken along line 3--3 of Fig. 1. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a modified form of the present invention. n

Fig. 5 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing another formof the present invention. Y l Fig. 6 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing a still further modified form of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lift unit forming a part of a further modified form of the present invention.

Fig.` 8 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the lift unit of Fig. 7 in operative use.

Filg. 9 is a view similar to Fig. 3, show-ing another form of the present invention.

Fig. 1() is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing a still further modified form of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is an exploded longitudinal cross-sectional view showing a further modified form of the present invention. Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing the parts of the assembly shown in Fig. l1 in an assembled relationship.

Fig. 13 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing another modified form of the present invention.

Fig, 14 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of Fig. 13.

Fig. l5 is a rear elevational view of a heel assembly made in accordance with a still further modified form of the present invention.

Fifg. 16 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing another form of the present invention.

Fig. 17 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing a still further modfied form of the present invention.

Fig. 18 is a View similar to Fig. 3, showing still another modified form of the present invention.

Fig. 19 is a view similar to Fig. 3, showing still another modified form of the present invention.

Referring now more in detail to the drawing, and more particularly to Figs. l to 3 thereof, a heel assembly 20 made in accordance with one form of the present invention is shown inoperative association with a shoe upper 21. The upper end of the heel 20 is secured to the shoe upper, while the lower end thereof is of non-circular configuration and provided with a section 22 of reduced cross-sectional area. A sleeve 23, preferably of molded plastic material such as polyethylene or nylon, slidably receives the lower section 22 of the heel and is provided with a downwardly directed lift portion 24. The upper open end of the sleeve 23 is provided with a radially inwardly extending beaded portion 26 that is releasably rcceived within a circumferential groove 27 in the reduced section 22. It will thus be recognized that the entire sleeve 23 may be selectively removed from the mounting formed at the lower end of the heel 20 and a new similar sleeve 23 used for replacement thereof. The beaded edge and cooperating groove provide a readily relcasable fastening means for securing the parts together while the noncircular configuration of the parts prevents relative rotation therebetween.

In Fig. 4, a modified form 36 of heel construction is shown wherein the lower end ofthe main heel is provided with a mounting portion 31 of inverted truncated lift element 45. In this assembly, `the lift virtually can be snapped into and out of engagement with the main heel portion. However, in order-to prevent relative rotation therebetween-r 1h@ mating; Partsrfthe snapf-fastenrafe preferably non-circular. fg 1 Thelmodicatienf showaiiafFefofthe drawinais similar to that shown and described in eonneetion with Eiga.. ,lsinthatfthe bottom Qftheheel member is provided with an inverted truncated conical; vsection@51;"which is recessedradi-ally inwardly Ifromthe out-sidegsurfacefof the heel portion toprovide a shoulder '52 so thatupon assembly of the replaeeablev.liftelernent -56 therewitl1, the parts-forma singleeontinuous surface. In a si'rnilarman. ner, the mounting portion 51 is providedrwlh inertial groove or 'regen Setorfrelea-Seblv revenue he radially inwardly directed'bead-irl ofl theglit elementiS.;

'Referring nowto Figs. 71 landy.; ai still "further modied form 6() df the present inventionlisshown wherein the vIriain heelvrnemb'er 61- is provided'with; 'a centrally disposed bore `62j for-slidably receiving a; split piny64gy that-.posi t ions the s leevelassembly thereon, The lower extremity'of the sleeve portion `65j` isin; the` form: Q f-aflift 6.6- while the upper -edges of the Sleeve, are ltap'ered'fm delineinclined surfaces v6,8 for imp-rovingtheappearanoe. Y

of the assembly. In a similar manner, this sleeve andlift, assembly may bereadily disassembled from the main heel portion and replaced'when worn.

Irl-Fig. 9, a modied form 70 of the present inyention is shown wherein the lower end of the heel 72, i'sjploli vided with a multi-part `sleeve and lift` assembly. Tfhe sleeve is provided witha radially inwardlyI extending bead 73 at its lower extremity for releasable engageme'lt, Within. arcircumferential groove'74 in the section .-77- of reduced diameter of a bre or plastic lift ele1nentn75. The'upper' end of the sleeve 71; slidably receives the heel 'member 72 so that the bottom thereof is'in direct, surfaC'e-Qolltact; withthe replaceable element 75. ;V

In Fig. l0, a mod'fied form 80; of the embodiment, dis. closed in Fig. 9 is shown wherein the/sleeve 81 is'releasably engaged with the heel 82 byV meansof'fe radially' inwardly directed bead 83 and a cooperating groove $4.

However, the lower end 85ofthe sleeve 81 is of bulbous configuration so asV to provide an inwardly directed; end portion that underlies the shoulder 86 forme'dfin thereplaceable lift element 87, whereupon the lower-extension 88 of reduced cross-sectional area extends outwardly therefrom. In this assembly, as in the assembly dis.- cussed in connectionwvith Fig. 9, it is only necessary to replace the lift portion after it has become worn.

Referring now to Figs. 1l and 12, a still-further modied form 90 of heel construction made in accordance with the present invention is shown wherein the heel member 91 is provided with a central longitudinal bore. 93 that threadingly receives a plastic screw 94, constructed of a suitable material such as nylon, Which de-y tachably supports a lift element 96 in proper assembly therewith.v This lift 96 is also provided with a; central bore. 97 Vthrough which the screw extends and a'eounter bore 98 for vreceiving the head of the'screw. It will `be noted that the slot 95 in thescrew head extends beyond releasable engagement within a circumferential Vgroove 107. The rib 104 operatively prevents lrelative rotation between the heel and sleeve'so as to maintain the parts I in proper operative relationship.

In Fig. l5,V a modified form 110 is shown wherein the replaceable sleeve element 112 is provided with an upwardly directed tab 113 which overlies the rear surface portion of the heel 11 to provide a highly decorative and attractive visual effect.

E1n Fig'. 16, a different form 115ofthe present invention is.shown"wherein an intermediate member117 is provided between the main heel 119 and thesleeve assembly y19211. This member 117 is releasably Vsecuredv to the'heel 119 by means of a` common connecting threaded intermediatefmemberll?. Thus, thesleevell maybereplaced when'the lift portion 122 is worn. Howevekthe intermediatemember 117 vmay also be replaced.if' def Sired, for'utilitarian and beautypurposes. i f

-l-InEig. 17;,.a furtherv modified form 130 of thefygareseiltj` invention -is shownwherein the heel member 1732` isgprof vided witha. mounting'at. its lower end in the format a section 133. of reduced cross-sectional area., A replace-t, ablesleeve 135 is s lidably received upon the reducedsee tion i133 and has a-lft portion 136 atzits-lower extremity-is In this assembly, however, a fabric. or plastic coveringlil; encloses therheel portion 132 and extends downwardly; intermediate the. sleeve; andr reducedjsectionso asto be. secured in proper assembly thereon. `:In-Fig. 18, a still 'further'. simplified andmodiiied form'. 141), of. theV present-'invention is shown wherein vtheheel member 141 is of preferably molded plastic materialfin; which an inwardly'diverging 'recess143 is. molded directly intothe bottom thereof. `This recess is.arrangedstof-r.e.f leasably-receive a correspondingly shaped plug.- 144form= inganexfensionof a-changeablelift element 146.. ,."Ihis plug 144virtua1ly 'snaps into and out of engagement fwith the heel` 141 -in Vthe absencesof any 'additional fastening: elements, the-shapeof the respective plug andrecess being'y such as to maintainV the parts in vproper assembledrela". tionship, and still providing a `heel constructionof coni-P ventional shape and appearance.

^ InFig., 19, a further modified form 150..--of therpresent i inventionfis shown, wherein'thefheel portion -151=is cyflinhl` the head of the` screw andjinto the threadedstudportion Y so that in the event the lift and screw head afefworn be-Y yond the level of the counter bore, the screw may still beremoved with little. difficulty when replacement of the lift is necessary.

In Figs. 13 and 14, a modied form 11m-ofthe DkeSont invention is shown which isquite similar to that discussed in connection withv Figs. 7 and 8. however, the non-circular heel portion -101 is. provided with a longitudinal slot 103 that extends completely across the heel. portion for slidably receiving a .rib element 104 formingan integral partl of the detachable sleeve 105. The lowerexposed portion lof the sleeve 10S-iis in thefQl'm'A of: a. lift; 106', While the upper end thereof lis` prov.V vided; with 'a radially. inwardlyA extendingbead 1-08 'for In thisv embodiment, Y

drical, atleast at its lower/extremity, and4 is providedfwith an external thread 152. for cooperative engagement with. internalzthread. 153 of the `replaceable sleeve which has a thickenedto'p liftrportion 154 at itslowerfextremity. VThe'. topedge of-'this form may be tapered annularlyfas at.155"- to, blend; in gracefully. with the `covering ofi the heel. proper.. Y dtwill beyrecognized that ink all of the aforementioned embodiments, :the respective parts such as lthe heel mem-' benfth'e lift'elements,` and thevar-ious-sleeve portions,'may be constructedyof substantially any desired material lending. itself to thedescribed purposes. -Ithas been found? that various forrnsof moldedplastic material are-ideally suited for this purpose in that theyare inexpensiveftof 'manufacture are highly wear-resistant, contain the pref-` erable 'resilient and yielding.'characteristics, and*which"Y may be manufactured in substantially lany `desired color: so as to provide a 'highly attractive appearance. Onthe other hand, such conventional'materialsy as- Woodand leatherl'rnayalso beused,l if desired, to obtain substantially comparable results. A l Y s i il;

Whilethis invention has been described'with partieiilar reference to the construction shown inthe drawing; iti's'* to be understood that such is not to be construed as imparting limitations upon the invention, which is best defined by the claims appended heretol Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire Ito secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A heel assembly for ladies high heel shoes comprising, in combination, a main heel portion having its upper end adapted to be permanently secured to a shoe upper, only the lower part of said main heel portion comprising an integral mounting and being of reduced cross-sectional girth to provide a horizontal shoulder, and a replaceable top lift detachably secured tto said mounting, said top lift comprising a tread and an attaching sleeve having a horizontal top edge, the peripheral wall of said sleeve being substantially uniform in thickness and said sleeve being dimensioned to completely snugly envelop the mounting with the top edge of fthe sleeve abutting said shoulder when the tread is against the bottom of the mounting, said shoulder presenting a substantial area 'to receive its distributed load, and 'the top edge ofthe wall of said sleeve bearing its distributed share of the load with the bottom of the heel, and the outer surface of said sleeve conmounting 'includes a peripheral annular groove spaced from its bottom end, and the inner wall of the sleeve has a radially inwardly lextending protuberance for releasably seating within said groove to secure said sleeve thereto.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 623,803 Morrow Apr. 25, 1899 844,882 Lober Feb. 19, 1907 1,039,409 Jenczyk Sept. 24, 1912 1,418,428 Carlozzo June 6, 1922 1,478,144 Riccioli Dec. 18, 1923 1,949,940 Monfils Mar. 6, 1934 2,798,313 Marino July 9, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 168,063 Great Britain Nov. 2, 1922 320,572 Great Britain Oct. 17, 1929 532,749 Germany Sept. 3, 1931 VFrance June 26, 1944 

